It’s strange to think now that everyone, including Alex DeBrincat, wondered whether he’d begin this season in the NHL.

The 20-year-old DeBrincat reminded people of that when he was asked toward the end of the season whether he had a goal number in mind back in October. Did he envision 30 goals being a reality? No, he replied. He was just hoping to make the team out of camp.

DeBrincat, of course, made the team and went on to have one of the most successful rookie campaigns in franchise history. In a season in which the Blackhawks were forced to look forward and plan for the future, DeBrincat delivered some hope.

Season highlight

All three of DeBrincat’s hat tricks would fit here, but the third stands out because it made him the first Blackhawks rookie to record three of them.

Season lowlight

DeBrincat went through a 13-game goalless drought late in the season. Considering he didn’t go through a drought longer than three games...

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